LeBron James hasn't seemed thrilled with how abruptly the Los Angeles Lakers have pivoted to Luka Dončić as the franchise centerpiece. For now, however, it appears he won't be going anywhere.

If the Lakers want to be successful this season, they will need to add a center via trade. They re-signed Jaxson Hayes and signed DeAndre Ayton, but they still need a more proven presence. One possible target is the Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic.

The Los Angeles Lakers recently received their schedule for the 2025-26 season, their first in which Luka Doncic will enter the year wearing the Purple and Gold. Los Angeles also still employs LeBron Jame s, who has orchestrated some trade rumors this summer through his mouthpiece Rich Paul but seems poised to once again be on the Lakers next year.